Tiger commits and targets continue to shine

Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers have put up big numbers

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Aug 28, 2016, 2:26 PM

Clemson’s Tennessee connection continues to shine as high school football ramped up around the region.

Some teams played week zero games a week ago, but the rest of the schedule got into full swing Friday and Saturday, including a matchup between IMG Academy and Grayson.

However, Amari Rodgers and Tee Higgins are grabbing headlines across the region through the season’s first two weeks.

Rodgers piled up 133 yards on four catches with touchdown receptions of 50 and 27 yards as Knoxville (TN) Catholic rolled to a 45-0 win over Christ Presbyterian Academy. Rodgers has totaled eight catches for 233 yards and four touchdowns in his first two games of the season. Here are some of his highlights:

Highlights of #Clemson WR commit Amari Rodgers (@arodgers_3) from last night pic.twitter.com/6ZZstHGLXJ
— Tiger Talk (@TigerTalkSUR) August 27, 2016

Higgins had a two-interception performance in week one, but it was his turn to shine on offense as Oak Ridge (TN) beat Dobyns-Bennett 41-28. Higgins hauled in six catches for 94 yards and a 12-yard. Higgins wowed the spectators in the fourth quarter with an outstanding one-handed snag:

WATCH: Tee Higgins with incredible one-handed catch (@_TeeHiggs5): https://t.co/ChaO9ELriw #Clemson pic.twitter.com/arXyslyn77
— TigerNet.com (@ClemsonTigerNet) August 27, 2016

2017 linebacker commit Baylon Spector, who plays quarterback for Calhoun (GA), completed 12-of-24 passes for 154 yards with one interception. He was also one of Cahloun’s main threats on the ground, picking up 113 yards on 21 carries as Calhoun fell to Dalton, 28-13.

Five-star commit and 2017 cornerback A.J. Terrell spent some time at receiver for Westlake (GA) in a strange affair between Westlake and Langston Hughes. The game was suspended due to lightning and fighting with Westlake leading 10-9 in the third quarter.

A fight in the stands and a lightning delay would have prevented the game from being restarted until approximately 11:30 p.m., according to game officials. With 7:31 left in the third quarter, a fight broke out in the home side of the stands. Local law enforcement officials ordered the stadium cleared of all spectators, except parents. During that process, several lightning strikes appeared in the sky.

The two schools are no longer in the same region, so it will be up to the schools if they want to continue the contest. However, Terrell did show talent for playing receiver.

Clemson 5-star DB commit A.J. Terrell making a play on offense. https://t.co/bGXePa9AQK
— TNetRecruiting (@TNetRecruiting) August 27, 2016

The biggest game of the weekend happened at Grayson, where No. 2 Grayson hosted No. 4 IMG. Grayson scored the opening points of the game but turnovers and IMG’s stellar defense shut down the Rams’ attack the rest of the way as the Ascenders walked away with a 26-7 win.

Clemson 2018 linebacker commit Mike Jones Jr. intercepted the first play of the second half for IMG. His interception of 2017 Clemson quarterback commit Chase Bruce at the Grayson 23-yard line set up an IMG score. Jones also had one rush for 24 yards. Brice was 10-for-17 for 148 yards and a touchdown.

2017 quarterback Hunter Johnson and Brownsburg (IN) knocked off Lawrence North 13-8 on Friday in the home opener for first-year coach John Hart. Johnson was 15-for-30 passing for 182 yards to lead the offense, but he also carried the ball 15 times for 48 yards. Included was this nice pass to Antrez Baker.

Hunter Johnson to Antrez Baker TD pass. @bhsdogs takes 7-6 lead over @lnwildcats at halftime. #OPFB pic.twitter.com/nGlE2gImRP
— Rich Nye (@NyeSportsGuy) August 27, 2016

2017 running back commit Cordarrian Richardon had another big night in defeat as Southaven (TN) defeat Memphis (TN) Trezevant 27-26. Richardson had 29 carries for 198 yards.

CLEMSON TARGETS

It was another week and another show for 2018 ATH Dakereon Joyner of Fort Dorchester (SC). Joyner was 14-for-18 with 381 passing yards and five touchdowns through the air and he had two carries for 74 yards and one touchdown on the ground as Fort Dorchester walloped Colleton County 63-7. Joyner played just three minutes into the third quarter before retiring for the night.

Check out some of Joyner’s nice throws here:

2017 wide receiver OrTre Smith out of Wando (SC) had four catches for 34 yards as Wando defeated Conway 36-29.

Derion Kendick led South Pointe (SC) to a 24-10 win over Northwestern in a defensive battle. Kendrick had seven carries for 18 yards on the ground and was 7-of-14 for 64 yards through the air, but his two fourth-quarter touchdown tosses led to the win.